Wood/Barrel Aged Strong Stout
A wood/barrel-aged strong stout is any of the traditional stronger stout styles
or unique experimental stout that has been aged for a period of time in a wooden
barrel or in contact with wood that meets the criteria for alcoholic strength
shown below. For purposes of this competition entries in this category should
contain greater than 6.5% a.b.v. Wood/barrel-aged strong stouts will be
characteristically dark. Entries are aged with the intention of imparting the
particularly unique character of the wood and/or what has previously been in the
barrel. New wood character is often characterized as a complex blend of vanillin
and unique wood character but wood aged is not necessarily synonymous with
imparting wood flavors. Used sherry, bourbon, scotch, port, wine and other
barrels are often used, imparting complexity and uniqueness to beer. Ultimately
a balance of flavor, aroma and mouthfeel are sought with the marriage of new
beer with wood and/or barrel flavors. Primary character of the beer style may or
may not be apparent. Examples of wood/barrel-aged strong stout styles include
but are not limited to stronger versions of wood/barrel-aged foreign stout,
British- or American-style Imperial stout, other strong stout styles, or other
strong beer styles blended with stout that meet the criteria for alcohol
content. To allow for accurate judging the brewer must provide additional
information about entries in this category. Comments could include classic
strong stout style and/or other styles blended with stout (if any) being aged in
wood, type of wood used (new or old, oak or other wood type), previous liquids
in the barrel if any (port/ whiskey/ wine/ sherry/other), or achieved character.
Beer entries not accompanied by this information will be at a disadvantage
during judging.